Alexandria Mom's Calendar of Events

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Fireworks, Over 175 Live Shows at Largest Family-FriendlyNew Year’s Eve Party in the DC Region

The largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve party in the region takes over Old Town Alexandria with more than 175 performances at 28 venues in Old Town and one in Del Ray, with live music, dancing and children’s activities. The afternoon’s Seventh Annual Fun Hunt is joined by all-new activities for couples and families. First Night’s fireworks finale returns with a spectacular display over the Potomac River at midnight. Afternoon activities from 2-5 p.m. Performances from 7 p.m.-midnight. $20 before December 14; $30 after. Children under 12 and active military are free. 703-746-3299, FirstNightAlexandria.org. #ALXFirstNight

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ALEXANDRIA, VA – A spectacular fireworks display over the Potomac River will ring in the New Year as part of First Night Alexandria, the largest family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve party in the Washington, DC region. All of Old Town will be buzzing with activity from 2 p.m. to midnight. Afternoon activities and the Seventh Annual Fun Hunt will be followed at 7 p.m. by more than 175 live performances at 28 indoor venues in Old Town and one in Del Ray.

Each year, revelers stroll Old Town Alexandria’s historic streets among art galleries, historic sites, churches and even retail shops that have been transformed into cozy performance venues. Intimate concerts at Principle Gallery and Imagine Artwear will entertain guests while the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the George Washington Masonic Memorial rock with dancing to great bands. Old Town’s many restaurants and pubs welcome First Night fans, with a choice of eateries catering to families with children or folks looking for an upscale date night. First Night hotel packages make for an attractive long weekend in Alexandria, and provide a chance to take in even more arts, shopping and culture in the city. A complete New Year’s Eve getaway can be planned at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/FirstNight.

ENTERTAINMENT 7 PM to MIDNIGHT

The main event begins at 7 p.m. with live performances at 28 indoor venues in Old Town. The city’s most musical evening features rocking rhythm and blues, traditional Irish music, acoustic folk and more.

This family-friendly event is chock-full of activities for kids throughout the night, including face painting, a moon bounce, clowns doing balloon sculptures and interactive games. Children’s performer Groovy Nate will bring his unique blend of music, movement, puppet skits and comedy to First Night, and the Old Fashioned Carnival in Del Ray will feature games, music, prizes and more. The Battle of the Local Stars returns in 2015, with teenage musicians competing for a paid performance spot at next year’s event. Alcohol-free venues keep it fun and accessible for all ages – and children under 12 and active military are free.

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES 2 to 5 PM

Daytime activities kick off at 2 p.m. at locations throughout town, including the seventh annual all-ages, brain-teasing Fun Hunt. Additional First Night activities range from tasting events to interactive art lessons and pet-friendly gatherings hosted by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Returning kid-friendly activities are presented by the Torpedo Factory Art Center, The Art League, the Alexandria Archaeology Museum and Hooray for Books!

TIME: Afternoon activities: 2-5 p.m. including Seventh Annual Fun Hunt
Performances: 7 p.m.-midnight at venues throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Fireworks: Midnight along the Potomac River at the foot of King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

ADMISSION: $20 before December 14, $30 after, children 12 and under and active military free

Where to Purchase Admission Badges:
> Online at FirstNightAlexandria.org/tickets and pick up your badge at the Alexandria Visitors Center (221 King St.) beginning December 21; or pick up your online-purchased badge on December 31 beginning at noon at the Durant Arts Center (1605 Cameron St.) or beginning at 2 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.). Badges will not be mailed.
> Badges may be purchased at the Alexandria Visitors Center (221 King St.) from December 2 to 31. Online purchases can also be picked up at the Visitors Center beginning December 21.
> Every venue will sell badges beginning 15 minutes before the first performance. Cash only on December 31 with the exception of the Durant Arts Center (1605 Cameron St.), Torpedo Factory (105 N. Union St.) and the Visitors Center which will accept credit cards.